The tourism bureaus in Minot and Williston want people to know there are hotel rooms available.
"Plan ahead and you will be fine," said Amy Krueger, executive director for the Williston Convention and Visitors Bureau.
"People are shying away from Williston because of the message that has been sent that we are full, which is not completely true. Is it tight some days? Yes, it is, but we are not sold out for the next two years, and that's what people's impression has lent itself to," Krueger said.
But she added, "You can't just show up any more. Our region is just used to being able to get in the car and go and wherever they land, they will be able to get a room. It's no longer that way. You do have to plan ahead."
In April, Minot hotels averaged 80 percent occupancy, which compares to 68 percent in April 2009. Across the United States, the occupancy rate was 58 percent, and in North Dakota, it was 68 percent.
But even an occupancy rate of 80 percent means about 300 rooms available in Minot on any given night so lodging is available.
If not successful in booking on the first try, try again. CVB directors say openings do occur so it pays to keep checking back. Also consider a hotel's clientele. Hotels that cater to business people are busier during the week. Those that tout their getaway amenities may be busier on weekends.
People who need help can call the local CVB. The convention and visitors bureaus keep tabs on room availability and can provide information on other lodging options. Both the Minot and Williston CVB can steer visitors toward places that have vacancies.
High occupancy rates haven't deterred the Minot CVB from going after conventions, either.
Hotels are booking conventions for 2012 and 2013 and some into 2015, said Wendy Howe, executive director of the Minot CVB. However, even a convention a year out might be able to schedule depending on when and how large, she said.
Because of the lodging situation, the CVB is staying in closer contact with the hotels to ensure the space is available before bidding on conventions.
"At this point, we have been able to secure all the rooms that we have needed but it's something that we have to look at as we plan for the future," Howe said. "We don't want to get the reputation that we can't handle groups."
Extended-stay hotels have a niche with some business travelers and families on vacation, Howe said. But many of the long-term lodgers who are pushing occupancy rates up in Minot may not always be there as more apartments and other housing is built. Keeping that in mind, she said, hotel managers make room for conventions because they will need them in the future.